Eric Braeden’s Enduring Love Story: From Germany to Hollywood, and the Woman Who Never Left His Side
Eric Braeden is a name millions recognize from his decades-long portrayal of Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless. But behind the polished persona of the iconic soap star is a deeply personal story of love, resilience, and a woman who stood beside him long before the fame ever arrived.
Before Hollywood came calling, Braeden was just a young man chasing the American dream. Born in Germany, he set sail for the U.S. after high school, driven by both adventure and ambition. “I saw America as a land of opportunity,” he recalled. “But also as the land of adventure, the land of Indians and cowboys.” When his ship neared New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty welcomed him into a new world. Eventually, his path led him to Los Angeles.
Armed with $500 from Johnson Motors and a film project called The Riverbusters, Braeden hoped to find a distributor. The project sparked some talk show appearances, but like many newcomers, he struggled. He played soccer for ten bucks a game, parked cars, and worked as a busboy at the famous La Scala restaurant.
But it was during his studies at Santa Monica State College, majoring in political science, that he met the woman who would change everything—Dale Russell. She was well-read, deeply cultured, and had attended Catholic school. Their shared European background made conversation easy, and connection immediate.
They married in 1966, long before fame found him. Through years of auditions, small roles in TV and film, and the slow climb to stardom, Dale remained a constant source of strength. Today, she continues to be the quiet force behind her husband’s success.
“People don’t realize how much Dale influences what I do or don’t do,” Braeden said. “She is so private, but I always talk to her before making important decisions.”
Though she had a short stint in the performing arts, Dale ultimately found her place as an interior designer and devoted wife and mother. Braeden credits her with grounding him—both in his career and his life.
Their love story spans over five decades, a rarity in Hollywood. Together, they raised a son, Christian Gudegast, who has followed his own creative path as a writer, producer, and director. Braeden calls Christian “arguably the greatest gift of my life,” adding, “We talk almost every night.”
Even with the glitz of red carpets and the spotlight of daytime television, Braeden remains a family man at heart. By 2020, he and Dale had three grandchildren. “I love them,” he beamed. “Seeing them makes me happier than anything else.”
But life hasn’t been without its battles.
On April 21, 2023, Braeden shared a deeply personal update with fans in a candid Facebook video filmed from his home. Calmly and courageously, he revealed that after undergoing knee replacement surgery, he’d also been diagnosed with cancer. While seeking treatment for prostate issues, doctors discovered high-grade cancer cells near his bladder.
“So if you’ve seen me a little under the weather,” he said, “well, I have been.”
He underwent immunotherapy and other procedures but remained determined to keep working. “Do I anticipate retiring anytime soon?” he said with a smile. “No way!”
Despite the health scare, Braeden hasn’t slowed down. He’s still bringing Victor Newman to life on The Young and the Restless, still engaging with fans, and still deeply in love with his wife. When asked about the secret to a lasting marriage, he replied:
“Falling in love is the first step, but you also need to like the person. You need to respect them, enjoy talking to them, and share life’s most extraordinary moments with them.”
From a hopeful young man arriving in America to one of television’s most recognizable faces, Eric Braeden’s story is one of hard work, love, and deep gratitude. At the center of it all is Dale—his partner, his confidante, and his unwavering support through every triumph and every trial.